THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE, His ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, &c.

AT the King's Commission of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-delivery of Newgate, held (before the Rt. Hon. Sir ROBERT WESTLEY, Knt. Lord Mayor of the City of London; the Rt. Hon. the Lord Chief Justice WILLES; the Rt. Hon. the Lord Chief Baron PARKER; Mr. Justice WRIGHT; the Hon. Sir SIMON URLIN, Knt. Recorder of the City of London; and Others his Majesty's Justices for the said City and County of Middlesex) at Justice-Hall in the Old-Bailey, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 28th, 29th, and 30th of June, and Monday the 2d of July, 1744, in the Eighteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign.

Three Men, viz. William Cox, James Gulliland, and William Quaranton; and one Woman, viz. Sarah Cox, were by the Jury found guilty of capital Crimes, and condemned to die.

AS also, At the King's Commission of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-delivery of Newgate, held, (before the Right Hon. Sir ROBERT WESTLEY, Knt. Lord Mayor of the City of London; the Rt. Hon. the Lord Chief Justice WILLES; the Hon. Mr. Justice DENNISON; and the Hon. Sir SIMON URLIN, Knt. Recorder of the City of London; and Justices of Goal-delivery of Newgate, for the said City and County of Middlesex) at Justice-Hall in the Old-Baily, on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th of September, in the 18th Year of His Majesty's Reign.

Seven Persons, viz. Luke Ryley, John Mackavoy, John Pierson, Joseph Fitzwalter (two Boys, one 15, the other 13 Years of Age) Tho. Bonney, Thomas Wright, and William Lawrence, were, by the Jury, convicted of capital Crimes, and received Sentence of Death.

While they lay under Sentence of Death, they had the Difference of Good and Evil set before them in a distinct clear Light; they were told, that the Ever-living God, from whose all-seeing Eye nothing can be hid, Rewards or Punishes each one according to his Desert. That, To the just and upright Man He will give Eternal Life: But, To the wicked disobedient Man Eternal Misery. They were desired to think Seriously on their approaching End, and to resolve to repent fervently of their former Sins, that they might at the last Day, be among the Number of those to whom our blessed Lord and Saviour shall Say, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom, &c. They were pressingly urged not to lose those few precious Moments they had left, but incessantly to cry up to God for Forgiveness.

THURSDAY, September 27th, Report was made to His Majesty in Council, of the twelve Malefactors lying under Sentence of Death in the Cells of Newgate, when James Gulliland, for forging of a Seaman's Will, received His Majesty's most gracious Pardon. William Lawrence for stealing a Lamb, by Stratford: Joseph Fitzwalter, John Pierson, two young Boys, for a Street-Robbery, transported for 14 Years. The other six, viz. Luke Riley, John Mackavoy, Thomas Bonney, Thomas Wright, William Cox, and Sarah Cox, were ordered for Execution.

Mistress Rochead being found with quick Child, and James Hall, for High-Treason, in Fighting against his King and Country by Sea, remain for future Judgment.

1. John Mackavoy was indicted for assaulting Mr. Alderman Heathcote's Coachman, on the King's Highway, putting him in Fear, and taking from him a Watch, Value three Pounds, the Property of Thomas Cox, and 2 s. 6 d. in Money: He was also indicted and tried on two more Robberies, and found Guilty.

John Mackavoy, about 20 Years of Age, was born near Dublin, of honest Parents, who gave him good Education, kept him at School to learn Reading, Writing and Accounts; they also had him instructed in the Latin Tongue, and brought him up in the Faith of the Church of Rome: He never serv'd any Apprenticeship, but learn'd somewhat of the Art of Leather-Breeches making , at which he sometimes work'd when in Ireland; but being obliged to fly that Country for some Misdemeanor, which he would never divulge, not even to his Companions, he came over to England, associating himself with the two Askins and Riley, his Fellow-Sufferer: they committed a great Number of Robberies together. Mackavoy behaved pretty well under his Circumstances, and at first came to Chappel, and join'd in the Devotion, and seem'd to be a Member of the Church of England; but afterwards a Romish Priest coming to him, he profest himself of their Faith. When the Dead-Warrant came down, and he found himself included therein, and knew he was so soon to die, he began to be much concern'd and affected, and sometimes was seen to shed Tears: he did not seem to know much of Religion of any Sort, but died in the Communion of the Church of Rome.

2. Luke Ryley, was indicted with John Mackavoy, for assaulting William Hall, on the King's Highway, putting him in Fear, &c. and taking from him a Barragon Coat, Value 7 s. a Hat, Value 2 s. a Perriwig, Value 5 s. a Bone Perfume Box, Value 1 d. a Knife, Value 6 d. a Handkerchief, Value 6 d. and 15 Shillings in Money.

He was a second Time indicted, with John Mackavoy, for assaulting Joseph Hazard, in a certain Field, or Place near the King's Highway, putting him in Fear, &c. and taking from him a Fustian Frock, with 12 Silver Buttons, Value 20 s. a Watch, Value 40 s. and 3 s. in Money, on both which Indictments he was found Guilty, and received Sentence of Death.

Luke Ryley, about 24 Years of Age, was born within a few Miles of Dublin, of honest, reputable Parents, his Father being a wealthy Grasier and Farmer, who gave him a liberal Education, put him to School to one of the most eminent Masters in Dublin, of whom he learned Latin, Greek, &c. A few Years ago he set up for himself in his Father's Business of Farming and Grasing , and married a Wife, with whom 'tis said, he had 800 l. He was intimately acquainted in Ireland with Christopher Askins, (one of the Persons that robb'd Alderman Heathcote) and being obliged to fly that Kingdom, as well as his Companion Mackavoy, for some Crime which he likewise kept to himself, he came over to England, and meeting with his old Acquaintance Christopher, he associated with him, and was concerned in many Robberies. He was not concern'd in robbing the Alderman, but that Affair making a good deal of Noise, he as well as his Companions were determin'd to go to Ireland, and to that Intent Mackavoy enquired at Blossoms-Inn in Lawrence Lane, how he might send a Box down to Chester; being told the Chester Waggon was gone out, but the Liverpool was not, he left the Box directed for himself, at the Nag's-Head in Liverpool, till call'd for. Patrick Askine after that turning Evidence, and Mackavoy and Ryley

being both taken, the Box was produc'd, in which was several Watches, as well as Apparel of different Sorts, some of which have been since restored to their right Owners.

RYLEY always went genteely dressed, being a personable Man, and kept a Footman.

HE behav'd decently in Chapel, and at first joined in the Worship, but afterwards a Priest coming to him, he owned himself of that Persuasion, declared himself penitent, and died in the Communion of the Church of Rome.

3. THOMAS Wright, of St. Mary le Bone, was indicted for assaulting Letitia Pennington in a certain Field, or open Place, near the King's Highway, putting her in Fear, and taking from her a Cloth Cloak, Value 10 s. a Shift, Value 1 s. and a Pair of Cotton Gloves, Value Two-pence, the Good of Tho. Goring, Sept. 10, and was found Guilty.

THOMAS Wright was about 17 Years of Age, born in Black Fryars, was put to Nurse at three Quarters old to the Wife of one Wright, a Carman, liv'd with 'em as their own Child, call'd 'em Father and Mother, and went by their Name, and was put to School by 'em to Mr. Haydon in Scollop-Court, were he went four or five Years, and made a pretty good Proficiency in his Learning. He said he was once shewn his real Mother, whose Name he thinks was Morrice; his Father he was told was a Soldier. When he grew a little up, his Foster Parents put him to Mr. Clendon, a Distiller in Bishopsgate street, as an Errand Boy, with whom he liv'd about three Years, till his Master died, and he behaved very well. He afterwards liv'd with Mr. Penny, a Printer, were he likewise behav'd well; from thence he went to Mr. Cooke, a Pamphlet Shop at the Royal Exchange, with whom he liv'd about a Year and an half; and the last Place he liv'd at was Mr. Larrat's, a Distiller in Black-Fryars. Being discharged from thence, and going Home to his Foster Father, he bid him go about his Business, and would not take him in; he never went to any other Place after, but work'd with the Carmen in Black-Fryars, backing Coals, got acquainted there with several idle Boys, and went picking of Pockets, and doing other disorderly Acts, which he did not care much to own.

HE, and 2 other Boys like himself, going out in the Fields, under Pretence of gathering Mushroons, though in Fact, to attack any Person they imagined they could rob, met near Kilburn, with the Prosecutrix, and her Niece; they held a Pistol to the Prosecutrix Right Breast, and demanded what she had got, and took from her the Things mentioned in the Indictment: A Gentleman on Horseback coming by just after, she told him, she had been robb'd by two or three Boys, and shew'd him which Way they ran, the Gentleman pursued, and took the Prisoner, who was carried before a Justice of Peace, and committed to Newgate.

HE endeavoured to evade the Truth, saying, he had no Pistol, and that he was not the Person who took the Things: But being told, 'twas no Extenuation of his Crime, the robbing with or without a Pistol, or whether he was the Person who took them, or not, his being in the Company aiding and abetting was the same thing, and made him equally criminal, which at length he began to apprehend was just, and submitted himself, behav'd quietly and decently, (except the Time he was once reproved for laughing in Chapel) was very attentive to the Prayers, and said, he believ'd in Christ our only Saviour, repented, and hop'd to obtain Forgiveness for his Sins, and died in Peace with all Men.

4. Thomas Bonney, of the Hamlet of Bethnal-Green, was indicted for assaulting Mary Sewell, in a certain Field, or open Place, near the King's Highway, putting her in Fear, and taking from her 15 d. in Money, the Property of Richard Sewell, July 5.

THOMAS Bonney, near 21 Years of Age, was born in Whitechapel, his Father and Mother both now living; they being poor, could not afford to put their Son to School, so that he could neither Write nor Read. When he grew up, his Father being a Weaver , taught him how to be useful to him in his Trade, and he work'd about three Years with him, and then set up for himself, and earn'd generally about 10 or 12 s. a Week. At a Time, when Business was a little dull, he enter'd himself on Board the Lyon Man of War, and was at Spithead, in that Ship, at the Time the Victory ran soul of her; when the Expedition was at an End, he came Home, and work'd again at his Trade, and about a Year and a half ago, he married one Elizabeth Elliot, by whom he has a Son a Quarter old.

WHEN his Wife lay in, he happened to be entirely out of Work, and had not a Penny to

help himself with, and she in a poor languishing weak Condition: The Devil (he says) put it into his Head to go out to rob; accordingly, without saying a Word to any one, he went out by himself towards Mile-End, about 3 o'Clock in the Afternoon, had nothing with him but a Stick, except a little Knife, which he had in his Pocket; at Mile-End, he met an Earthenware Women, he bid her Stand, and give him her Money; he took from her five Shillings and Six-pence in Money, and two Gold Rings.

ABOUT a Week after, he went out again towards Hackney, and meeting two Women in the Fields, he said, Stand, and give me what you have, one of 'em had no Money, but from the other he took a Gold Ring and 8 d. After he had taken these Things, one of the Women began to give him Advice, and she wish'd he had better Thoughts in his Head, for this Way would in the End, bring him to Misery and Shame; he thank'd her, but told her he could not help it, 'twas Necessity oblig'd him, and they parted.

ANOTHER Time, by Temple Mills, two young Women coming along a Corn Field, ask'd him the Way to some Place, he told them they were going Right; but before they went any farther, they must give him what they had got; they gave him Six-pence and a large Silver Ring, which Ring he afterwards gave to a young Woman of his Acquaintance.

HIS next Robbery was on three Women at Hackney, from whom he took 10 d. and return'd it to them again.

ANOTHER Robbery he committed, was on a Woman at Mile-End, with a Child in her Arms, from whom he took 11s.

And his last Robbery was, that for which he died; being on two young Women, by Hackney, from one he took 15 d. the other Six-pence Half-penny: on their crying out Stop Thief, he was taken and deservedly condemned.

WHILE under Sentence of Death, he behaved as well as his dull Capacity would let him; for not being brought up to any Learning whatsoever, he was grosly ignorant of all Religion; he nevertheless attended constantly at Chapel, and was instructed, as well as the Shortness of Time would permit. He profess'd a true Faith in Christ, a sincere Repentance for his Sins, and died in Peace with all the World.

5. William Cox, and Sarah Cox, of St. Giles's Cripplegate, were indicted for assaulting William Cater, on the King's Highway, putting him in Fear, and taking from him a Handkercheif, Value 12 d. and six Shillings in Money, the Property of the said William Cater, May 27.

William Cox, about 20 Years of Age, was born in St. Luke's Parish, of honest Parents, who got him admitted into a Charity-School, from whence, when of Age, he was put Apprentice to a Hog-Butcher , whom he served faithfully, and honestly, and work'd with him after he was out of his Time: He denied his having any Intent to commit this Robbery; and that the Handkerchief was taken off the Prosecutor's Neck in Jest; he was told, 'twas very ill Jesting in such Affairs, which prov'd too true, to his Sorrow. He was a very young Man, affirm'd he never committed any other Robberies, came constantly to Chapel, behav'd pretty well, believ'd in Christ, repented of his Sins, and forgave all Men as he expected Forgiveness from God.

6. Sarah Cox, condemned for the above Robbery with William Cox, her Brother-in-Law, about 22 Years of Age, born of honest Parents in New Street, Shoe-Lane , was brought up at St. Brides Charity-School, from whence she was put to a Button-maker , and afterwards liv'd in Newgate Street, where she behav'd well; but getting acquainted with some wicked People, she launched out into ill Courses, and turn'd Street-Walker, married one William Cox, a Person who work'd with the Hog butchers, as is supposed for a Screen for her Wickednesses. She behav'd but very indifferently all the Time of her Confinement, chusing rather to be down at the Grate, conversing with her Companions, than come to Chapel, and did not seem so penitent as could be wish'd; however she declared, she forgave, as she expected forgiveness, and died in Peace with all Men.

At the Place of EXECUTION.

THE Morning they died, four of them came up to Chapel, seem'd very devout at Prayers. Luke Ryley and John Mackavoy would not come up, but chose to pray by themselves as they were of the Church of Rome.

AFTER having their Feters knock'd off, they were about 8 in the Morning carried from Newgate in two Carts, guarded by the Sheriffs Officers with their new broad Swords, in the first Cart, were Luke Ryley and John Mackavoy, who were Handcuffed together, and Thomas Bonney. In the second Cart, were William Cox, Sarah Cox, and Thomas Wright; at Holborn-Bars they were met by a large Party of the Foot-Guards, and Constables, who escorted them to the Place of Execution.

WHEN they arriv'd at Tyburn, they all seem'd much concern'd, were serious in Prayer and Sing

ing the Psalm. Thomas Wright acknowledg'd his Crime. Wm. Cox said he did not commit the Robbery for which he died, but own'd his being present, abetting his Sister-in-Law. Sarah Cox own'd the taking the Handkerchief, but alledg'd she did it in Jest. Thomas Bonney confest the Robbery he died for, and own'd his committing several others. Ryley and Mackavoy confest nothing. They all went off the Stage, crying out, God have Mercy upon us! and Lord Jesus receive our Spirits!

This is all the Account given by me,

JAMES GUTHRIE,

Ordinary of Newgate.

APPENDIX.

A full Account of all the Robberies committed by Christoph�r Askine, Patrick Askine, Luke Riley, and John Mackavoy; to the Time of their being apprehended; taken from the Mouth of Patrick Askine, who was admitted an Evidence against Luke Riley and John Mackavoy: Christopher Askine having made his Escape.

WHENEVER a Scene of Villany, like this, has been carried on to so great a Length, a Relation thereof, cannot surely, but be acceptable to the Public. It is but very seldom that we meet with an Accomplice in such Rogueries, willing to give a true Account: But, in the following Sheets, we dare venture to assert, the Reader (however monstrous their Actions may appear) will certainly find a genuine Relations of Facts only: and we are the more Confident therein, because the Evidence, from whose Mouth it was taken, throughout the whole Narative never varied, but related it with such an air of Veracity! with such Perspicuity! and in such Chronological Order, that Fiction could never support.

When Patrick the Evidence came over from Dublin, (where he was born) he says he had no Thoughts of turning Robber, but work'd very honestly, and industriously at his Business as a Dyer, he work'd Journeywork with Mr. W. Gi - d - n in White-Lyon Yard, Spittlefields, 'till his Companion Christopher, who was born in the same Parish, viz. Loughbyrn, in the County of Kildare, about nine Miles from Dublin, and who was his Schoolfellow, came over to him. When Christopher first came to England, his Care was to find out his Companion and School-fellow Patrick; which after some Enquiry he did, and told him, he was oblig'd to fly to England, but on what Account he would never tell him, which he was much surprized at, as they were so intimate; however, he had left his Service, which was that of Land Bailiff to the Earl of Kildare, and left, as he said, upwards of 180 Pounds in the Hands of his Brother.

THEY renewed their former Intimacy, and drank frequently together, without any thing extraordinary happening. At length, Christopher's little Money being just gone, and being bred up to no Trade, he proposed to Patrick to go a Robbing, which Patrick absolutely refused, for six Weeks together, and endeavoured to persuade him to the Contrary too.

AT length, an unlucky Incident made him too soon clash with his Companion's Proposal, the Case was thus; about six Months ago, there was an Order of King and Council, to suppress all Papists, on the Apprehension of a Plot then contriving; in Consequence of this Order, the Church-Wardens, and Overseers of each Parish, went from House to House to enquire strictly for all Papists, who were obliged by the above Proclamation, to depart from London, after such a Day, and as Patrick was a Roman Catholick, his Master and Mistress were obliged to discharge him, and he went immediately to seek out his Friend Christopher, whom he found at an Alehouse in Covent-Garden; he continued with him all that Day, and they lay together that Night, and he was with him all next Day, being Saturday, the latter End of March last, they drank themselves to some Pitch, and about seven or eight in the Evening turn'd out, for the first Time.

THEY met a Gentleman about 8 at Night in Hackney-Fields, coming towards London, whom they attempted to knock down; the Gentleman made Resistance for some Time, and struck at 'em with his Cane; but at last they overpowered him, and took from him his Silver Watch (which they pawn'd in Golden Lane for a Guinea and a Half) they likewise took his Hat and Wig, and

some Money; part of which, 'tis supposed, Christopher sunk, for Patrick saw only some Half-pence. They did nothing more that Night, but went and lay together, at Patrick's Lodgings in Spittle-Fields. * The next Day being Sunday, they staid at home on account of its Raining: and now they commenced Thieves in earnest, and were resolved to stand by, and support each other, and began to look upon it to be as much a Profession, or Trade, as if they had been brought up in it from their Childhood, and were determined to be very industrious; accordingly, they turn'd out, several Nights that Week, towards White chapel, Stepney-Fields, and thereabout, but met with no Success; 'till the Saturday Night following.

THEY met two Gentlemen behind White-Chapel Mount, one of whom had a Pistol, which he flash'd at 'em, but it did not go off, on which they immediately knock'd him down, and robb'd him of his Silver Watch (which they afterwards sold for three Guineas) and his Hat; the other Gentleman most stoutly ran away, crying out, Thieves! Thieves!

A few Nights after, they attempted to rob three Gentlemen in Chelsea Fields, but were disappointed; for one of the Gentlemen drawing his Sword, stood on his Defence, and swore he would not be robb'd; Patrick was knock'd down, and another Gentlemen who had a Pistol, presented, and it luckily miss'd fire, for if it had gone off, in the Position they stood, it would certainly have shot the Gentleman's Friend. Christopher being very much disheartned at the Resistance the Gentleman made, ran away; Patrick followed him, and the Gentlemen were not robb'd; in the Scuffle, one of the Gentlemen lost his Hat, which Patrick pick'd up, and flung over a Wall; they made no other Attempt that Night, but went Home to Patrick's Lodgings in Spittle-Fields, and early next Morning took away their Box and Trunk, shifted their Quarters, being in Debt there, and went to a new Lodging in Covent Garden.

THE next Robbery they committed, was upon a Carpenter belonging to Chelsea, whom they met going home, about nine o'Clock at Night; 'twas very dark, they could but just perceive him coming along; they made up to him, and demanded his Money, and Watch; which he not readily giving, saying he was only a poor Carpenter; they knock'd him down with a Stick; and he tumbled into a Ditch; they took from him a Watch, with an enamel'd Dial plate, (which they afterwards pawn'd in Wild-Street) and about Half a Crown in Money, and his Hat and Wig.

'TIS very remarkable, that a Gentleman's Servant, one Saunders, was the very next Day taken up for this Robbery, carried before a Justice of Peace, sworn positively too by the Prosecutor, sent to Newgate, and was try'd at the Old Bailey and escap'd by dint of good Character: In justice thereof to the poor Man, as well as a Caution to every body, not to be too sure, in Cases of Life and Death! We shall here give a short Abstract of the Trial.

” The Prosecutor swore, That as he was going from London to Chelsea, about 9 o'Clock, “ he met the Prisoner, and another Person who “ bid him good Night: and that he immediately “ received a hard Blow from the Prisoner cross “ his Temples, with a Bludgeon; that afterwards “ there was a second come up, who gave him “ some cuts on his Cane with a Hanger, “ and knock'd him down in a Ditch; that the “ Prisoner jump'd upon him, and demanded his “ Money, and said D - n your Blood! your “ Watch, for I know you always carry a Watch, “ which he took from him; the Prosecutor likewise swore, that he threatned to blow his “ Brains out, but was prevented by the other “ Person: He further said, that he knew him “ as well as he did his own Brother, by his “ Voice, Body and Face. Another Person, on “ the Trial swore, that being called out, and “ told there was a Man almost killed in the “ Fields, he went and met the Prisoner, who “ struck at him; that he cry'd out Stop Thief! “ and the Prisoner was taken. Another Person “ swore, that as soon as the Prosecutor came into the Passage, he said, the Man who robb'd * Patrick, his Wife, and Companion, all three laid together; for Patrick had married a young Creature of about seventeen Years of Age, just before he left Dublin, and brought her to England with him: She sometime after this, was brought to bed, and he sent her and her Child back to her Friends.

“ him was in the House, he knew him by his “ Voice, and that when he came into the Room “ where he was, he called him by his Name, “ and said, How could you serve me so, when I “ have given you many a Meal's Meat. The “ Prisoner in his Defence denied the Fact, and “ called several Persons to his Character, who “ all gave him a very good one, and he likewise “ prov'd where he was till near Ten o'Clock “ that Night, (the Robbery being committed at “ Nine) and he was acquitted.” The Whole therefore that we would infer from hence, is, that we would advise all Persons to be extremely cautious how they swear to the Identity of a Person in the Case of Life and Death; what Recompence, what Retaliation can be made, when a Man is no more? And what Remorse, what Stings must be on that Man's Conscience? when the Truth appears, that by his Means an innocent Life is taken away. Nor is this all, for tho' in the present Case, the innocent unhappy Man preserved his Life, yet his Character must severely have suffered; for true it is, tho' sorry we are to say it, that the Generality of the World are more fond of Censure, than of Praise. On the other Hand, we would not be understood to mean, that Rogues should escape their just Deserts; no, on the contrary, let every one exert himself, let every Man lend an helping Hand, and we should soon see an End put to those audacious, impudent, villainous Attempts, that are every Night made in this City and Suburbs.

BUT this is a Digression, for which we ask the Reader's Pardon, and shall proceed in our Narrative.

AFTER they had committed this Robbery, they did nothing else that Night, but went Home to their Lodging in Covent Garden.

SOMETIME after, they robbed a Man in Hackney Fields of some Silver, his Hat and Wig, his Shoe Buckles and Knee Buckles, which they took to be Silver, but they proved to be only Metal.

BEING out another Evening waiting for their Prey, they met two Gentlemen coming from Ranelagh-Gardens; they directly accosted them in the usual Terms of G - d d - n you, stand and deliver! and the Gentlemen drew their Swords; Patrick immediately makes up to one, and struck at him with his Hanger; the Gentleman let drop his Sword, and cry'd out, By Jesus! young Man, you have cut me. The other Gentleman was in the mean Time scuffling with Christopher, but the Rogues soon overpower'd them, and took from one of them a Watch, some Silver, and his Sword; and from the other, a Watch with a Triangle Chrystal Seal, set in Gold, a Guinea, and his Sword: Finding by their Tongues that they were Irish Gentlemen, they were sorry they attack'd them; but as they had begun, they must go thro', tho' it saved one of the Gentlemen his Gold Lac'd Waistcoat, which they would certainly have taken, had they not been their Countrymen. The Gentlemen begged very hard for their Swords, one of which, a Mourning Sword, Patrick returned, but his Companion Christopher would not return the other, nor the Seal, which the Gentlemen likewise begged for.

N. B. The Gentlemen have been with the Evidence in New-Prison, who told them where all their Things were pawn'd, which they have since got again.

A few Nights afterwards, being again out on the Patrole, they met in Hackney Fields a Gentleman and two Women; they made them all stand whilst they rifled them: From the Gentleman they took a Silver Watch, with an Enamelled Dial Plate, made at Paris, two Gold Rings, one with a Stone in it, the other plain, a Thirty-six Shilling Piece, two Moidores, a Guinea, and a Foreign Piece of Gold, (which they sold for eleven Shillings to a Goldsmith in Covent Garden) a Fustian Frock with Silver Buttons, a White Dimity Waistcoat, his Hat, his Wig, and a Set of Silver Buckles, viz. Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles. After they had pretty undressed the Gentleman, they took about Three Shillings and Sixpence from the two Women, and left them to get home as well as they could.

N Tottenham Court Road, another Night, they met a Man, and bid him Stand and deliver. The Man beginning to expostulate with them, telling them he was only a poor Carpenter, who had been at Work at Hampstead, they made no Bones, but down they knock'd him, and ook from him some Silver, a Coat, a Waistcoat, his Hat and Wig, and Silver Stock Buckle? they

afterwards found the Wig bloody, from whence they concluded that the Blow had hurt him.

They one Night overtook two Men in Frog-Lane, with whom they walk'd and chatted for some Time: Patrick was several Times going to attack them, but was prevented by Christopher, who was fearful of their having a Pistol, at last he drew his Hanger, and made at one of them, who immediately warded off the Blow with his Stick, and at the same Instant laid it tightly upon Patrick's Head, fetched him down, and beat his Hanger out of his Hand: Patrick attempting to rise, the Man repeated his Blows, and knocked him down again, and so he served him five several Times, till at last he grappled up his Hanger, and by a sudden Spring, jump'd upon his Legs, and furiously attacked the Man, and with his Hanger cut him in several Places; at last the Man begged him to spare his Life, and take what he had. All this Time Christopher and the other Man were not idle Spectators, but were thumping each other to some Tune; sometimes up, sometimes down; however, Patrick and his Companion were at length Conquerors, and when they had overpowered them, they took from them a Bag, in which was two Pair of Stays, a Child's Pair and a Woman's Pair, some Money, their Hats and their Wigs. One of them begg'd for Sixpence, on which Patrick told him he had dropped two or three on the Ground, he might look for them and be d - n'd, and so parted, the Men towards Islington, and they towards London.

ONE Sunday Night in July last, about nine or ten o'Clock, they met two Gentlemen in the Fields behind Montague House, they ordered 'em to stand, and deliver their Watches and Money. They told 'em they had no Watches, but gave them their Money; they then ordered them to strip, which they did, and gave them their Coats and Waistcoats, their Hats and Wigs, Stocks and Stock Buckles, wished them a good Night, and better Success.

N. B. These Gentlemen have since recovered their Things, by the Information of the Evidence.

ANOTHER Sunday Night the stopped a Man and Woman in Stepney Fields; Patrick attacked the Man with his Hanger, and notwithstanding the Man had only a Stick, he fought gallantly, knocked Patrick down several Times, and had by much the best of it, so that the Robbers were glad to sheer off, and the Man escaped being robb'd. Christopher, while Patrick was engaging the Man, cowardly knock'd down the Woman, beat and abused her very much, for which Patrick severely reprimanded him.

BEHIND Whitechapel-Mount one Night, there had like to have been a Scene of Rob-Thief, for a Fellow came briskly up to our two Robbers, saying, G - d d - n your Bloods, your Watches and Money, this Instant, or I'll blow your Brains out; but they soon convinced him of his Mistake, their Business not being to deliver, but to take, for they immediately knocked him down, and ordered him to deliver; but the Fellow got up, ran away, and made a most terrible Outcry of Thieves! Thieves! it alarm'd Christopher so much, that he hid himself in the Fields all Night, but Patrick went Home.

SOMETIME after this they robbed a Drawer in the Five-Fields, coming from Chelsea, of his Hat and Wig, and some Money.

ABOUT the Beginning of July last, they met an old Gentleman in Chelsea Fields, who seemed to be in Liquor, they gave him the Word of Command to stand and deliver; but he refused, and made a Blow at Patrick, and broke his Stick, on which Christopher gave him a severe Stroke, and knocked him down. [It seems the poor Gentleman feels the Effects of that Blow to this Day.] They took from him about four or five Shillings in Money, a Hat and Wig, his Silver Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles, and his Pocket Book, in which there were several Notes and Bills, all of which (as they did not know the Use or Value of them) they burnt. Christopher would likewise have taken his Coat, but Patrick prevented him; the old Gentleman begged for his Hat, or his Handkerchief, to put over his Head, but they would give him neither; he then got from them, and ran, and made a great Noise of Thieves! Thieves! and they made off.

IN the same Fields, some few Nights after, they met two Gentlemen belonging to the Duke of Grafton, with whom they had a very smart Engagement; for on their presenting a Pistol to each of them, bidding them Stand and deliver,

they very fairly knock'd 'em both down; they rose again, and Christopher was knock'd down a second Time; they then presented their Pistols, determining to shoot, but missed Fire; at length Patrick's Pistol went off, close by the Gentleman's Ear, which surpriz'd him, and at the same Instant he knock'd him down with the Butt End thereof, and the Gentleman bled very much, and gave him his Money. Christopher was during this Time engaging with the other Gentleman, who had ran some little Distance, where Christopher followed him, knock'd him down into a Ditch, beat him when he was there, and took from him a Tortoiseshell Watch and a Cane, and left him. By this Time Patrick had done with his Man, and was looking about for his Hat and Wig, which had fallen off in the Scuffle, and Christopher came up to him, and they were going off, when they heard a Noise behind them; turning about to see what it was, they found that the Gentleman whom Christopher had left in the Ditch, had got up to his Companion, and taking him for one of the Robbers, seized him, and was laying on with his Fists most violently, till on his roaring out, his Friend discovered his Mistake, and most heartily asked his Pardon. This occasioned our two Rogues a hearty Laugh, and they made off.

ANOTHER Evening they met a Man whom they supposed to be a Taylor, in Hackney Fields, to whom they gave the usual Salutation, and took from him his Watch, about Five Pounds Two Shillings in Money, his Silver, Shoe, and Knee Buckles, his Hat, his Wig, his Neckcloth, and his Thimble.

THEY stopped a Gentleman one Night coming from Pancras, intending to rob him, but he made a Blow at 'em, and ran for it, dropped his Hat, which they staying to pick up, he got the Heels of 'em, and escaped being robbed; the Hat Christopher now wears.

ANOTHER Night, they met a Gentleman in Hackney Fields, from whom they took some Money, his Coat, and a Pocket Book, wherein were some Papers, which they burnt; the Coat they pawned in Short's-Gardens for Ten Shillings and Sixpence, which the Gentleman has since had again.

THUS far have we given a faithful Account of the Robberies committed by Christopher and Patrick Askine, by themselves; we shall now proceed to lay before our Readers the Manner of their Acquaintance, and engaging with Mackavoy and Ryley, and shall give a genuine Account of all their surprizing Robberies, to the Time of their being taken.

CHRISTOPHER and Patrick at this Time lodg'd in Queen's-Court, in Queen-street by Drury-Lane , where a Kinsman's of Mackavoy's lodg'd at the same Time; Mackavoy coming frequently to see his Kinsman, observed Christopher and Patrick Askine, and enquired of his Kinsman, what and who they were? He inform'd him, that to the best of his Knowledge they liv'd by Robbing, for he could see no other visible Way they had, and they were generally flush of Cole.

JOHN Mackavoy was born in the County of Loughbyrn in Ireland, and bred up a Breeches-Maker ; but on some Misdemeanor ['tis said indeed for robbing his own Father] he was sent to Goal, from whence he found Means to make his Escape, and came to England. After being here sometime, he enter'd himself on board a Privateer; but being of a robust, tempestuous Spirit, he kick'd up a Mutiny among the Crew, and the Captain discharged him: He came to London, was often with his Kinsman as above, and wanted much to join with Patrick and Christopher, but had no Opportunity to break it to 'em as they soon after shifted their Lodgings, so that he was forc'd to go to work; accordingly he worked with a Breeches-Maker at Hampstead for some Time; but still uneasy in his Mind, he was determined to come to London, and find 'em out, which at length he did: They drank together, and he gave several broad Hints what he would be at, but they would neither of 'em seem to understand him; resolute as he was, he knew not how to behave, seeing them so shy: He was resolved then to found them separately, and after they had drank up their Liquor, and were going along the Street, he says to Patrick, If I had but a Friend or two, I had a fine Opportunity to get

a Hundred Pounds last Night. Ay, says Patrick, how so? Why by stopping a Coach, wherein there was only an elderly Gentleman who lived at Hampstead, and he had only two Servants with him, an old Coachman, and an old Footman. Patrick still would not understand him, but exclaimed much against him, and said 'twas a dangerous and a wicked Way of getting Money. Mackavoy finding he could make nothing of him, was resolved to try his Partner Christopher, with whom he had better Success, for he was not long before he consented to take him in, and they both together applied to Patrick, who seemed, and was indeed very angry with Christopher for taking any body else in; when they had agreed to stand by and support each other by themselves, but now, since he had laid himself open to Mackavoy, 'twas too late to go back, and he gave his Consent, tho' with Reluctance, and they went out all three together that Night, and several Nights after, but met with no Success.

BUT the Saturday Night following, in Stepney Fields, by the Turnstile near Whitechapel-Mount, they stopped four Gentlemen, and demanded their Watches and Money; accordingly three of 'em delivered. From them they took a Silver Watch, a Tortoiseshell Watch, two Mourning Rings, and some Money. The fourth ran away.

GOING a little farther, after they had robbed the above Gentlemen, they met a Man, to whom they gave the usual Salutation, D - n you, stand and deliver! He said he was only a Journeyman Baker, and that he had not received his Wages: But they took some Money from him, his Hat and his Wig, and a Parcel of Leaden Pieces, which they threw away. The Man after he was robbed, went into an Ale-House at White-chapel, and told his Story, and immediately there was near a Hundred People gathered, who went all about the Fields to seek after them, but to no Purpose, for they were gone.

THE next Night, being Sunday, about eight or nine, they stopped a One-Horse Chaise, in which was a single Gentleman, in Tottenham Court Road; the Horse being a little mettlesome, and the Gentleman endeavouring to make him more so, in Hopes of escaping, they seized fast hold of the Reins, and had like to have run him into a Ditch, but they obliged him to come out, and took from him about four Shillings and Sixpence, a Neckcloth and a Snuff-Box.

THE same Night, and near the same Place, they endeavoured to stop three Gentlemen on Horseback, two of whom rode away, and cry'd out loudly, Thieves! Thieves! Thieves! Mackavoy snapp'd his Pistol after them, but it missed Fire: They took about four or five Shillings from the other Gentleman, and went Home, and did no more that Night.

THE Tuesday following they proposed going out again, but Mackavoy thinking Patrick was drunk, refused to go, and Christopher and Patrick went by themselves. In Islington Fields they met a Man and a Woman, the Man said he was a Porter; they took from him a Coat with Silver Buttons, his Hat and Wig, and his Stock with a Silver Clasp. Patrick had no Thoughts of taking his Coat, but Christopher says, D - n ye, ye Dog, you must take his Coat, for the Buttons are Silver. From the Woman they took a Scarlet Cloak, a Straw Hat, her Silver Shoe Buckles, and four Rings, three Plain, one with a Stone in it; one of the Rings being pretty hard to come off, Christopher put the Woman's Finger in his Mouth, and drew it off with his Teeth.

ABOUT this Time it was, that Luke Ryley came into the Gang. Ryley (who was born in the County of Kavan, in Ireland, and was look'd upon to be a Man of Fortune, being a Gentleman Farmer, and had 800 l. with his Wife) was intimately acquainted with Christopher Askine, when he was Land Bailiff to the Earl of Kildare. Ryley being oblig'd to come to England, on Account, as some say, of his being out-law'd for carrying Fire-Arms, or as others say, for killing a Man, (which last appears most likely) met by mere Chance with his old Acquaintance Christopher; they were equally surprized at the Sight of each other: However, they drank together, renew'd their former Intimacy, and were as often in each other's Company as they possibly could, till Ryley understanding the Method of Christopher's living, expressed a great Desire to become a Sharer with him and Companions, and he accordingly introduced into the Company of Patrick Askine and Mackavoy, and they agreed for the future to rob together, and Ryley was to buy Fire-Arms for that Purpose.

THE next Day, about 3 or 4 in the Afternoon, Christopher, Patrick, and Mackavoy, went out together, (Ryley not yet having bought his Fire-Arms, staid behind) they all three went to Hackney Marsh, intending to bath themselves in the River, 'till they thought it was time for the Gentry to be coming from Ruckholt House; finding the Water cold, they soon left it, and went to Temple-Mills, drank some Beer, and Drams, then came over the Bridge, walk'd up and down Hackney River 'till near dark, and then they thought 'twas Time to begin their Work; accordingly they disguis'd themselves, Mackavoy turn'd his Coat inside outwards, and they all three put on Woollen Caps, and Handkerchiefs, went to the Foot of the Bridge, to see if there was any Watch; found the Coast clear, came back, saw two Men, who suspecting what they were, ran away: They heard a Coach coming from Hackney, which prov'd to be Mr. Alderman Heathcote's; Patrick stept forward, to see if there was any Danger from Attendants, it being the first Coach they ever stopt; found there was none, then gave the Word ‡, and went up to the Coachman, and presenting his Pistol, said D - n you, Stop, or I'll blow your Brains out! and the Coachman stopt. Mackavoy went to the Coach Door, put in his Pistol, and demanded the Alderman's Money and Watch; the Alderman said, Take away your Pistol, and I'll give you what I have: and he gave him his Gold Watch, with a Gold Chain, and two Seals, set in Gold, two Guineas and a half, and some Silver, his Mourning Sword and Belt; they also made him come out of his Coach, and took his Hat, and his Stock and Stock-Buckle; the Alderman desired they would return his Stock and Buckle; but they refused, and Christopher would have taken his Coat and Tye Wig, but Patrick prevented him; at which, Christopher was afterwards very angry, because he design'd them for Ryley's wear, (to whom he gave the Alderman's Sword and Belt, being determined to equip him like a Gentleman.)

AFTER Mackavoy had taken those Things from the Alderman, he went to the Coachman, and demanded his Watch, which the Coachman not being very ready to part with, the Alderman said, Coachman, if you have one, give it him, and I will satisfy you. Patrick seeing Mackavoy not proceed to take the Coachman's Money, he got up on the Coach Wheel, and took some Silver from him. Patrick then went to the Footman, and ordered him to come down, and deliver his Watch and Money; he said, he had no Watch, and not coming down as he was bid, Patrick gave him a Blow with his Hanger, and cut his Coat, and then jumped up, search'd his Breeches, found he had no Watch, and took from him some Silver. Patrick went a second Time up to the Alderman, and demanded his Rings, and his Watch; the Alderman said, he had before given his Watch to the other Gentleman, meaning Mackavoy, and upon his Honour, he had no Rings; they then made off. 'Tis observable, that all the while this Robbery was committing, which was about 9 o'Clock at Night, not a single Person came by.

WE cannot help taking Notice here, that tho' these Rogues would stand by and support each other in robbing Mankind, yet they could not be honest to themselves, for they were as ready to cheat each his Companion, on any Occasion that offer'd, as they were to rob a Stranger, which plainly appears by Mackavoy's Behaviour, after they had robb'd the Alderman; for being got a little Distance, they began to compare Notes, it being a Moon-light Night, and see what they had got. Mackavoy produced the Cole, but intended to sink the Watch: Patrick (who had been told by the Alderman, that he gave Mackavoy his Watch) says, what did'nt ye take the Gentleman's Watch? Mackavoy protested No! and insisted on it strongly; on which very high Words arose, and Christopher and Patrick were preparing to force him to go back, and overtake the Alderman's Coach, in order to prove him a Villain to his Companions, which they look'd on to be a

‡ They had different Words between themselves, which were generally Irish; the Word Patrick now made use of, as near as it can be pronounced, was, Cornahasea, the meaning of which is, make 'em Stand.

Crime of the first Magnitude, and he produced it, and Christopher snatch'd it out of his Hand.

THEY went over the Marsh, cross'd the Fields, and came in at the upper End of Hackney, and saw a House on Fire, the Sign of the Coach and Horses.

AS they went along Hackney Fields, towards London, they met several Persons going to the Fire: two of whom they robb'd, one was drest in Mourning, t'other in a Morning Gown; they took from 'em some Money, their Hats and Wigs, and Buckles; the Gentlemen talk'd to each other in French; and after they were robb'd, one of 'em begg'd for his Hat and Wig again, which being refus'd him, he call'd out Thieves! Thieves! Patrick says to him, What Thieves, you Villain? why you, you Rascal, says the Gentleman; on which, Patrick gave him a Blow with his Hanger, and they made off.

THEY came into London, went to the Blue-Lyon, in Red-Lyon Passage, where they shared the Money, which amounted to twenty-six Shillings each, and Christopher had the Watch to put with the rest, which were in his keeping, for the use of himself and Companions: But he took them all with him, when he ran away from his Companions.

A Night or two after, they all four went out, and in the Fields behind Montague House they stopt three Men, two of 'em being only poor working Men, they took nothing from them; but they robb'd the Third of his Hat and Wig, some Silver, a Leg of a Goose, and a Pocket - Book, with some Papers in it, which they burnt.

MONDAY Night following, they all four went out again towards Camberwell, a Gentleman coming along on Horseback, Patrick went up to him, and bid him stand: but he clapt Spurs to his Horse and rid away, crying out Thieves! Christopher fir'd his Pistol after him, but miss'd him: Ryley in the mean while, slip'd away, and went Home; when they miss'd him, they called several Times, but he made no Answer; when they came Home, they upbraided him with Cowardice; but he excused himself by protesting that he really lost 'em.

NEXT Night they went out again, stopp'd a Gentleman's Coach in Fig-Lane, by Pancras; but found nobody in it; they took Half a Crown from the Coachman, and his lac'd Waistcoat, and lac'd Hat.

THE same Night they attempted to stop a Gentleman in a one Horse Chaise, with a Man behind him; the Gentleman whipp'd his Horse, and drove hard away; they fir'd after him, and miss'd him; but with the Fright, the Man behind tumbled down, and begg'd his Life; they took nothing from him, only laugh'd at his Fear and went Home.

Christopher Askine's (in whose Hands were all the Watches and other valuable Effects belonging to the Gang) consulted with Ryley how to leave their Companions, and go to France; accordingly Ryley and Christopher left their Lodgings, and kept out of the Way all that Day; Patrick suspected somewhat of their Intent, and was more confirm'd in his Suspicion, by Ryley's taking his Footman with him, (for Ryley kept a Footman) and by Christopher's not coming near him, so that after he had waited all the Day, in expectation of seeing one or the other of them, and neither of 'em came, he went down to Darkhouse - Lane, at Billingsgate, enquired at every House for 'em, describ'd 'em, and offer'd two Guineas to any one who would bring him to 'em, telling the People, that they were running away in his Debt; after making all the Enquiry possible, he could get no Tale or Tidings of 'em, so was content to hire a Bed, and lay there that Night, and make a farther Enquiry in the Morning; accordingly he went to Bed, but could not sleep, he had a thousand Schemes in his Head how to catch his Companions; now this Scheme seem'd feasable; then another Thought seem'd possible; anon a Scheme comes into his Head, and drives all the rest before it, as it seem'd most probable! then again some Objection starts up against that: In short, such Ruminations kept him waking all Night. About One in the Morning, he heard the Door of the next Room open, and some People go in, whose Voices he thought he knew, he listen'd more attentively, found it was absolutely his two Companions, Ryley and Christopher Askines; Surprize for a Moment made him Motionless! but recovering, he rose, drest himself, and taking his Pistol in his Hand, cock'd, went into their Room, and damning their Baseness, calling them a thousand Villains, he swore, by the Eternal G - d he would instantly blow their Brains

out, if they did not immediately give him his Share. They were all this while like Statues, stirr'd neither Hand nor Foot, and seem'd to have no Tongues at all, or had forgotten the Use of them, so much did the unexpected Sight of Patrick surprize them! At length, Ryley broke the Ice, desir'd him to be Calm and Cool, and talk with a little Patience, hop'd he would not be angry with him. D - n ye! says Patrick, " I would as soon shoot you, as any Body, and " so strongly was I prepossess'd in the Favour " of that Villain there, (meaning Christopher) that " I would have trusted him with a Thousand " Pounds": Christopher then spoke to him, and told him, he would divide, and he should have his Share: but he did not chuse to stay in London any longer, and would either go with him to Bristol, or to France. Patrick insisted on having his Share before he would go any where; give him his Share, they might go where they pleas'd, but for his Part, he would go to Ireland, and be no more concern'd. They agreed to divide, and each Man to receive his Share, and seem'd to be good Friends again, and while Ryley was gone down Stairs, Christopher promised to stand by Patrick, and never deceive him more, but go with him any where; and laid the whole Blame of his attempting to leave him, upon Ryley.

In the mean time Ryley was below Stairs, telling the Woman of the House, that his Fellow-traveller was catch'd, above Stairs by a Man to whom he owed some Money, who would throw him into Goal, unless she would be so kind to assist him in making his Escape. She promised she would, and Ryley went up Stairs; after some Talk together, Christopher ask'd Patrick leave to go down to the Necessary House, which Patrick granted; and when he came down, the Woman of the House acquainted him with what Riley had said, and shewed him how to get into the Lane out of the Cellar; accordingly Christopher got out, and went away, and neither he, nor the Booty was ever more seen by any of his Companions.

PATRICK and Riley having waited a good while, and Christopher not coming up, Patrick began to suspect he was trick'd again, and taking out his Pistol, swore he would blow out Riley's Brains, if he did not tell him where he was gone: Riley protested he did not know, but that he would help to seek him, and would take on with him, and go together on all Occasions; they went out, and was the whole Day seeking for Christopher, but to no Purpose, he had got clean off, and they never saw him more.

THEY then went to Mackavoy, and Riley own'd his Contrivance to get Christopher away, designing to have gone with him: But since he had served him thus, he would stand by Patrick and Mackavoy, and they three only, would for the future be concern'd together.

THE Saturday Night following, they all three went to Stepney-Fields, in Expectation of some Booty; but was met by five or six of the same Profession: Patrick going to put the Question to one of 'em, he seiz'd him by the Collar, and his Companions coming to his Assistance, as by this Time did Mackavoy and Riley, to Patrick's Assistance, there began a tight Bartle, each side play'd their Hangers pretty smartly! they fought each other very close, till Patrick fired his Pistol, and one of 'em cry'd out, and directly dropt into a Ditch, and the rest made a Retreat. Patrick and his two Companions followed them up briskly, and they took to their Heels; they pursued them a little way, and then came back to look for the Man in the Ditch, whom they supposed dead; but they found he was gone, so that they imagined he was only wounded.

THE next Night they went to Deptford, where they staid some little Time to drink, and then came Homewards, determined to stop any Thing they saw; they perceived a Gentleman's Coach coming along, with a Man behind it, they made directly to it, in hopes of a Prize; but found it empty: They then took the Coachman's lac'd Hat, his Shoe, Knee and Stock-Buckles; and going to the Man behind, bid him deliver; but he saying he was only a poor Man, and had begg'd the Coachman's Leave to ride a little way behind, and that he had but 9 d. in the World, they let him alone, and went home.

THE Week after, they went to Hackney-Fields, and met a Man whom they stopp'd and robb'd of an eighteen Shilling Piece, a Pair of Shoe, Knee and Stock Buckles, a Hat, a Wig, and a Tobacco Box; the Tobacco Box he beg'd to have again, but they refused him, and Ryley took his Shoes off his Feet, (which he carried home, and gave to his Footman) and left him

pursue his Journey without. His Pockets were laden with Fruit, which they never meddled with.

THE next Night they went to Chelsea Fields. Patrick was sent by his Companions to look out, and if any Thing worth while was coming, to give the Word; he met Mr. Hazard, but thought him not worth robbing, and let him pass; but Ryley and Mackavoy meeting him, they stopped him, bid him stand and deliver, and took from him Three Shillings, and his Frock Coat with Silver Buttons, in the Pocket of which they found his Watch, tho' he told 'em he had never a one. When Patrick came to 'em, they told him what they had done, and were very angry with him, for not giving the Word.

AS they were coming Home, they perceived in the Road between Chelsea and the Park Gate, a Man on Horseback; they made up to him and bid him stand, but he rode away, and they fir'd a Pistol after him, and he tumbled off his Horse; he got up immediately, and ran one Way, and his Horse another, and so escaped being robbed.

RYLEY next Night being engaged in courting George Maddox's Daughter; Mackavoy and Patrick went out by themselves, and stopped a Man and Woman in Queen-street by Drury-Lane; they took two Shillings and a Stick from the Man; the Woman had nothing.

THE same Night they stopped a Hackney Coach in Duke-street, near Lincoln's-Inn-Fields; finding it empty, they made the Lad who drove it come down, and they took from him his Watch and Nine Shillings; Mackavoy would have taken his Coat, but Patrick prevented him. As soon as they were gone, the Boy alarm'd the Watch, and they pursu'd them into Drury-Lane; Mackavoy snapped his Pistol at them, but it missed Fire, and they made off.

THE Saturday Night following they all three went towards Hackney, but Ryley dropp'd 'em by the Way, Patrick and Mackavoy nevertheless went on, and in the Road they met a Man and a Woman, whom they commanded to stand; the Man endeavoured to make some Resistance, and struck at 'em both, but they overpower'd him, and took away two Bundles of Wearing Apparel and some Linnen: The Man said he was a Milk-Man.

ANOTHER Night Mackavoy and Patrick stopt a Coach in Queen-street by Drury-Lane, in which there were several People; Mackavoy opening the Door to make 'em come out, they made a hideous Noise, and Mackavoy fired his Pistol into the Coach directly amongst 'em, but as it happened it did no Harm; they made off down Wild street, and seeing a Watchman whom the Report of the Pistol had alarmed, come running up the Street, they stopped him, and bid him return back to his stand, or they'd blow his Brains out; which the Man very prudently thought fit to do.

ONE Sunday George Maddox's Daughter being gone down to Hampton-Court, Ryley went after her, and left Word, he desired that Mackavoy and Patrick would not go out that Evening till he came Home; but he not coming in time, Mackavoy took his Hanger and went out with Patrick, and in Pancras Fields they met four Gentlemen, whom they commanded to stand and deliver, but they refused, stood on their Defence, and struck at them; Patrick snapped his Pistol at them, but it missed, he cock'd it again, and both he and Mackavoy fir'd, but did no Harm; the Gentlemen then retreating, crying out Thieves! Robbers! &c. and several others coming to their Assistance, Patrick and his Companion thought proper to make off. In going Home they endeavoured to stop a Coach, but the Coachman strove too fast. So that Evening they met with no Success.

THE Night following they all three went together towards Islington, and in Frog Fields they met three Gentlemen, they accosted them in the usual Form of G - d d - n you, stand and deliver! They took from them some Money, and a large Silver Watch with a Silver Chain, a Set of Buckles, viz. Shoe, Knee, and Stock; a Hat, a Wig, a Camblet Coat, a Barragon Coat, and a Gold Lac'd Waistcoat, in the Pockets of which was a Bond for Seventy-five Pounds, and a Note of Hand for Sixteen Pounds odd Money, (which Bond and Note the Gentleman has since had again, being taken out of Mackavoy's Box, which was found at Blossoms Inn in Lawrence-lane, sent there by Maokavoy, directed for himself at Liverpool,

where he was to meet it, as he went to Ireland.) As they had stripped but two of them, Patrick having some Compassion on the Gentleman whose Coat and Waistcoat they had taken, made the Third pull off his Coat, and put it on his Friend, that he might not catch Cold.

AS they were going up Frog-Lane, after they had robbed those Gentlemen, they perceived a Coach coming along, Patrick made up to it, and commanded the Coachman to stop two or three Times, which at last he did. There was another Man on the Coach-box with the Coachman, whom he ordered to come down directly, which he did, and he took from him his Watch and some Silver; he then made the Coachman come down, and took from him about Nineteen Shillings. In the mean Time Mackavoy and Ryley had opened the Coach Door, and ordered the People to come out directly, which they did, * two Men, and one Woman, and they took from the Men some Silver, their Hats and Wigs, and Coats and Waistcoats; and from the Woman about six Shillings; Patrick then went to the Man behind the Coach, whom he ordered to deliver; the Man telling him he had been robbed already of his Knee Buckles, Patrick struck him with his Hanger, and bid him come down; he not coming down directly, Patrick struck at him again, and snapped his Hanger short in two. The Man then came down, and he took from him his Whip; then they all struck off over the Fields, and went that Night over the Water to Patrick's Lodgings in Redcross street, Southwark, where they shared the Money, which amounted to 3 Guineas and a Half apiece; they drank two Pots of Beer together, and Ryley went Home to the Two Brewers in Drury Lane, and Mackavoy lay with Patrick.

THE next Day Patrick and Mackavoy pack'd up all the Cloaths and Moveables they had, belonging to the Gang, in two Bundles, and carried them into Thames-street, where Mackavoy sat with 'em on a Bench, while Patrick went to Moorfields and bought a Trunk, which he brought, and they put the Things in it, and had it carried by a Porter to Mr. Maurice's, the King's Arms Alehouse in Bishopsgate Church-Yard, where Patrick waited, while Mackavoy went and fetch'd Ryley, and then they put a Value upon, and shared all their Cloaths and Moveables; Ryley not caring to be troubled with Cloaths, Patrick paid him Money for his Share, and left the Trunk there. They then went towards Frog-Lane again, but made no Booty that Night; they saw a Person on Horseback indeed, whom they endeavoured to stop, but he rid off pretty fast, and escaped, though they fired a Pistol after him.

THE Night following they all Three went out again towards Highgate, patrol'd about till near Ten o'Clock, and met nobody. As they were coming back, just by the Foundling-Hospital, they heard two Men talking; they went up to them, and bid them stand. One of the Men said he had nothing, he was only a poor Shoemaker, and sat himself down in the Ditch; they robbed the other Man of about 3 or 4 Shillings, his Coat, his Hat and Wig, and his Buckles, which they thought was Silver, but they proved to be Steel. When they had done, they turned about to look for the poor Shoemaker, and he was run away.

THIS was the last Robbery they committed together, and now they began each of 'em to have Thoughts of returning to Ireland. They took Leave of one another that Night, designing to set out either the next Day, or the Day following. Mackavoy and Ryley went together to Ryley's Lodgings, and Patrick went to Golden-Lane, to redeem a Pair of Silver Buckles he had in Pawn. After he had got his Buckles, he was going Home to his Lodgings in Southwark; coming by Leadenhall Market, he remembered he had a Countryman there, whom he was willing to take his Leave of; just as he was going into the Market, a Woman asked him to give her a * 'Tis pretty remarkable, that as they were commanding the Coachman to stop, one of the Gentlemen in the Coach, screen'd himself behind the Gentlewoman's Hoop Petticoat, and he is not one of the smallest Men neither; however, the Rogues never saw him, and when they had got three out of the Coach, they thought they had got the Whole, and he sat still, and escaped being robbed.

Pint of Beer. Aye, said he, come to the Bee-Hive where I am going, and you may drink. When he came to the Door he found it fastened, and while he was knocking, the Constables and Watchmen came and pressed him, and carried him directly to the Poultry Compter; he was next Day carried to Guild Hall, pass'd by the Commissioners, and sent to the Savoy, in Company with Eight or Ten more, guarded by Soldiers.

THE same Day Ryley came to him, and told him if it cost him Twenty or Thirty Pounds he would get him out. Accordingly he went and fetched P. S - n, and they three consulted which should be the best Way; at last Mr. S - n proposed, that Mackavoy should come into the Goal, and that Patrick should pick his Pocket. Mackavoy did accordingly come into the Savoy, and Patrick took a Purse out of his Pocket, wherein was Nine Shillings and Two-pence. Mackavoy pretended immediately to detect him, and made an Uproar in the Goal, and said he would have him tried at the Old-Bailey for it. Accordingly he went before Mr. Justice Fraser, and swore he was robbed, and the Justice granted him a Warrant, which he came (with Ryley and a pretended Constable) to execute. But Captain Dod, who is Keeper of the Savoy, having observed an Intimacy between Ryley and Patrick before, thought it looked something like a Scheme, for him to be so seemingly inveterate against him now, and accordingly told 'em, he thought they were all Rogues alike, and he should not part with his Prisoner, till he had been with, and consulted Justice Fraser. They made a Bouncing, and a Threatning, but to no Purpose, the Keeper was resolute, and they were obliged to go away without him.

THEY had not been gone long, before an Accident happened, which was the Means of bringing out this whole Scene of Villainy, which was as follows.

SOME Custom House Officers suspecting that Mr. Maurice, who kept the King's-Arms Ale-House in Bishopsgate street, had some Run Goods in his House, came there to search, and among the rest of the Things they opened, was Patrick's Box, in which they found Watches and Cloaths, that did not seem likely to belong to such a Person as Mr. Maurice said own'd the Box. Mr. Maurice knowing where Patrick was, went to the Savoy, and reveal'd the Affair to Capt. Dod, the Keeper, who was then more strongly confirmed in his Suspicion of him and his Companions, and accordingly after Mr. Maurice was gone, he takes Patrick up into his Room, and asks him what was in that Box he left at Mr. Maurice's, he told him only some Wearing Apparel he was taking with him to Ireland. No, says Capt. Dod, they are Watches and stolen Goods, and there will be an immediate Order for you to be sent to Newgate, and you'll stand a good Chance to be hang'd; you have but one Way left to save your own Life, which is, to turn Evidence. Patrick, after some little Hesitation and Reflection, open'd his Mind, and confess'd to the Captain he was right. The very same Night he was carried before Mr. Justice Fraser, where he made a full and free Discovery of the Robberies he had been concerned in, and named his Companions. The Justice admitted him an Evidence, and by his Direction, Mackavoy and Ryley were surprized that same Night in Bed together, at George Maddox's, the Two Chairmen in Drury-Lane. Mackavoy jumped out of the Window naked, but he was soon retaken, and carried before Justice Fraser, who committed them to New-Prison, and sent back the Evidence to the Savoy. The next Day Patrick was brought before the Justice, and confessed all the Robberies he could recollect, upon which Ryley and Mackavoy were removed from New-Prison to Newgate, and Patrick was carried to New-Prison, under a strong Guard of Soldiers.

A Copy of a LETTER sent by LUKE RYLEY, but a few Days before his Death, to -.

Revd. SIR,

" THOUGH unacquainted, the unfortunate " Condition I am in at present, obliges " me to trouble you with this, as I am tould

“ that you are a Gentleman who can make Interest in saving my Life. I am here under “ Sentence of Death, and expect no Relife, if “ some charitable Friend don't assist me; with “ the Help of God my Life can be sav'd, if “ proper Application be made in my Behalf, for “ the Judge seemed very favourable to me, and “ told me he would represent my Case before his “ Majesty. I am here in the Cells where nobody “ can come near me, but twice a Day. Mr. “ Callehan, my Attorney, can describe the “ whole Affair and Trial to you, which is tedious to mention here.

“ I give up my Soul to the Great GOD “ Almighty, with a free Heart and Mind, and “ with the Assistance of the Almighty, if I “ get past this present Danger, I shall take “ Care to live in the Fear of GOD.

This is from Unfortunate,

LUKE RYLEY.

P. S. I beg your Interest as to saving my Life.

L. R.

Some Observations on the present dangerous Situation of the Public, from the Combination of Thieves, Pick-pockets and Street-Robbers, to carry on their Villanies in Defiance of Justice.

IT was formerly the Glory of this Metropolis, that as she was the most populous, so she was the best govern'd City in Europe. We heard with Astonishment of the Cheats, Robberies, and Murders, committed in other Places, and though our Happiness was not augmented by the Miseries of our Neighbours, yet we conceiv'd it more clearly, from having frequent Opportunities of entering into such Comparisons: But now the Scene is changed; Robberies and Murders are as frequent here, as any where; and the Insolence of our Thieves is come to such a Height, that small Bye-Streets are not safe in the Day, and the most public ones are the most expos'd when once it becomes Night.

THIS is not occasioned by one or two Gangs of harden'd Villains, whose Necessities render them daring, or whose Crimes have made them desperate, but it is owing to such Numbers betaking themselves to these wicked Practices, that they find themselves too strong for the ordinary Guardians of Peace; and because they frequently get the better, begin now not only to detest, but despise Justice; wrecking their Malice on innocent Persons, by Way of Revenge for the Hopes they might entertain of bringing them to their deserved End. In order to deliver us from this sad Situation, and to restore Peace and Security to honest People in the Exercise of their lawful Callings, it is hoped that our Magistrates will give some Attention to the following Points.

First, It is very certain, that People are not born with particular Inclination to these base Practices; but at the same Time it is no less certain, that their Principles are very early corrupted, and that they are in a Manner educated, if not in the direct Exercise of such Rogueries, yet in the Ways that naturally lead to it. This is occasioned by a Decay of Industry, and by the prodigious Increase of late Years of Places of Diversion. There are many good Laws that require the lower Sort of People to put their Children Apprentices, so that they may be provided for during the Space of seven Years, by the Care of their Masters, and be afterwards in a Condition to maintain themselves by their own Labour, in an honest Way, which Laws of late are not put in Execution, but People are left at Liberty to breed their Children how they will, by which Means they become frequently Burdens, and too often Nusances to their Country.

IN the next Place it is visible, that the multiplying of Publick Houses, or Places where Liquors are sold, encourages and spreads this Spirit of Idleness, which naturally ends in a Spirit of Rapine; because these Places where

Spirituous Liquors are thus vended, are not immediately under the Eye of the Civil Magistrate, as all Public Houses were; and thus abundance of People are suffered to get a Livelihood at the Expence of their Neighbour's Morals, for a Habit of Drinking naturally begets a Habit of keeping ill Company, and this begets all the other ill Habits, the Effects of which were long ago foreseen, and are now become so visible, that unless they are speedily and totally suppress'd, it will really become difficult to get an honest Livelihood; because in the Winter Half Year, the Mornings and Evenings will be in a Manner useless, and all People be forced to do their Business (without Doors at least) in the Middle of the Day.

ADD to this, that these Practices are extremely detrimental to Trade in another Respect, which perhaps has not been enough attended to or considered, I mean the making People afraid to wear, and consequently unwilling to purchase Rings, Watches, Snuff Boxes, or other Things of Value, because the having such Things about them, exposes them in an extraordinary Degree to the Attacks and Insults of these Sort of People, and as there are already but too many Causes of the Decay of Trade, which lie perhaps out of the Reach of our Governors to remove, there ought to be the more Care taken of those that are undoubtedly within their Power.

OUR Grand Juries have shewn a great Readiness, and if proper Encouragement were given them, would be still more ready to present all such Places, as not only harbour Thieves and wicked People, but are supported and maintained by exhibiting such Diversions, as tend to render Idleness fashionable, and to take away the Shame of Vice. The Constables, and other Officers of Justice, and even the Bulk of the People in general, would be more ready to exert themselves in the Cause of Justice, if the Rewards promis'd by Act of Parliament, were regularly paid; but as the Hazard they run in taking Offenders is certain and immediate, it is impossible they should have any Spirit in running such Hazards, when the Encouragements thought necessary by the Legislature to excite such a Spirit, are very indifferently complied with, at a great Distance of Time, and after such a Train of Sollicitations, as render them no Rewards at all.

THERE might be a great deal more said on so copious a Subject, but as the Magistrates have doubtless employ'd their Thoughts upon it themselves, there is the less need of entering into Particulars; these that have been touched upon are of such publick Notariety, that there is Reason to believe our Magistrates will not be displeas'd at seeing them set in a proper Light, that it may appear how necessary it is at this Juncture, to strengthen the Hands of the Officers of Justice, and to postpone all other Considerations, to that of extinguishing the present dreadful Effects of that Flood of Corruption, which has overspread these great Cities, and alarmed us in such a Manner, as Posterity will scarce Credit, and as our Forefathers never knew. The Axe must now be laid to the Root of the Tree, for Executions will signify little, if the Causes of such Crimes as bring Men to a shameful Death, be not removed.